Things to think about

Do you want to spend time with your loved one at the funeral directors’ chapel of rest, or perhaps bring them home before the funeral? Is the coffin to be open or closed? This may affect decisions about how the body is cared for. What style of funeral is required – traditional religious, a civil funeral (which may include some religious elements) or a funeral with no religious content? Do you want a private burial or cremation followed by a thanksgiving/memorial event. Or you may wish to have no service at all. The major decision is whether to have a burial or cremation if this is not predetermined by your religion, culture or the expressed wishes of the deceased. This will help you decide where the funeral is to take place. The style of funeral will influence the content. You may like to include a photo display, video tribute, music and readings. Think about who to ask to give the readings. You may want to note here any specific anecdotes about the person that you would like included in any tribute (sometimes called the eulogy):